Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.

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Vergene bella

Introduction

Petrarch’s poem Vergene bella is a plea to the Virgin for help in a man’s struggle with his life; it would have been blasphemous to say so in Dufay’s lifetime, but the lyric is almost like a troubadour’s plea to his beloved and distant lady. The difference is that the singer trusts completely in the Virgin: ‘You have never turned away—hear my prayer.’

Recordings

'The vivid ambience of the recordings, the quality of the chosen compositions, the incisive, animated, full-toned precision of the fiddle playing and ...'Delectable is just about the right word for this sequence of pieces sung by Catherine Bott, with and without the fiddles of Pavlo Beznosiuk and Mark ...» More

Lovely Virgin, robed by the sun, Crowned with stars by the supreme sun, Pleased to hide his light in you; Love moves me to address you, But I can’t begin without your aid, And that of Him who dwelt in you.

I call on you, who always respond To all who call with faith. Virgin, have mercy On the misery of the human condition. You have never turned away—hear my prayer. Help me in my conflict, Though I am of earth and you are Queen of Heaven.

Beautiful Virgin, clothed in sunlight, crowned with stars, so pleasing to the highest Sun that his light is hidden in you; love urges me to speak of you, but I cannot begin without your help and his whose love rested in you. I appeal to her who always responds to those who call with faith. Virgin, if the misery of human affairs has ever stirred your compassion, consider my prayer; assist my struggle, even though I am earth and you the queen of heaven.